In a spectacular display of cricketing prowess, Pakistan A secured a resounding 128-run victory over India A in the final of the ACC Men’s Emerging Teams Asia Cup 2023, claiming their second consecutive title. The match, held at R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, witnessed a scintillating century from Tayyab Tahir, who played a key role in steering his team to victory.
After being put into bat by India A, Pakistan A showcased their batting might with an imposing total of 352 for eight. The foundation of their innings was laid by the dynamic opening duo of Saim Ayub and Sahibzada Farhan, who amassed a thrilling 121-run partnership in just 17.2 overs. Riding on the fresh surface and hard ball, they put India A’s bowlers under immense pressure from the outset.
Despite a brief wobble when Pakistan A lost four wickets in 11 overs for 66 runs, Tayyab Tahir exhibited extraordinary composure and skill. The right-hander unleashed a flurry of attacking shots, displaying impeccable timing and power. Tahir’s blistering knock of 108 runs off just 71 balls, comprising 12 boundaries and 4 sixes, left the Indian bowlers searching for answers.
India A’s spin troika of Manav Suthar, Nishant Sindhu, and Abhishek Sharma, who had been instrumental in their team’s success throughout the tournament, found it challenging to contain Tahir’s onslaught. His partnership with Mubasir Khan (66 runs off 54 balls) for the sixth wicket inflicted severe damage on India’s hopes of restricting Pakistan’s total.
Chasing an imposing target, India A faced a steep uphill battle from the start. Despite a valiant half-century by Abhishek Sharma (61 runs off 51 balls), the rest of the Indian batting lineup struggled to cope with the mounting asking rate. Pakistan A’s bowlers, led by the impressive Sufiyan Muqeem, orchestrated regular breakthroughs, causing India A to be bowled out for 224 in 40 overs.
The victory for Pakistan A was a testament to their all-round dominance and experience, with eight players in their lineup boasting international exposure. In contrast, India A fielded a team comprising purely U-23 players with no top-flight cricket experience. Despite their commendable journey to the final, India A succumbed to their first defeat in the tournament.
The ACC Men’s Emerging Teams Asia Cup 2023 has been a showcase of talent and potential from the emerging cricketing nations, and the final was a fitting culmination of an enthralling tournament. Pakistan A’s triumph will undoubtedly inspire young cricketers and further fuel the age-old rivalry between Pakistan and India on the cricketing stage.
